1989 Ferrari Testarossa vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1989 Ferrari Testarossa is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,943 cc (12 cylinders), 1989 Ferrari Testarossa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Ferrari Testarossa (385 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. (215 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ferrari Testarossa should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 25 kg more than 1989 Ferrari Testarossa.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1989 Ferrari Testarossa (500 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. (330 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1989 Ferrari Testarossa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1989 Ferrari Testarossa has manual transmission. 1989 Ferrari Testarossa will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ferrari Testarossa | 1986 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Testarossa | S |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4943 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 385 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2950 mm |
